What will the Seahawks offense get from Harvin’s return?

Carroll told The Seattle Times‘ Bob Condotta that Harvin’s return “is getting very close … everybody should be very encouraged that he’s not too far off now.”

Once Harvin returns to the lineup, however, he will still need to practice and get into game shape, which will take some time.

What will Seattle get with Harvin’s return to the offense?

Speed: Harvin is one of the quickest receivers in the NFL. Adding him to an offense that already has a lightning-fast QB in Russell Wilson and a slashing RB in Marshawn Lynch spells trouble for the opposition.

Versatility: Although Harvin isn’t the most physically imposing WR, Pete Carroll can move him around to get the ball in his hands and let him do what he does best. In his four-year career, Harvin has combined for 280 receptions and 107 carries. He’s also a threat in the return game.

Space: Perhaps the best thing Harvin’s addition brings for Seattle is more space for others to operate. Defenses facing the Seahawks were already weary of Wilson and Lynch. But they could add defenders to the box in an attempt to neutralize that. With Harvin in the fold, defenses will need to account for the speedster in the secondary. This should open things up for Lynch and Wilson underneath.